Poll shows support for "Dream Act"

Maryland voters are set to bring a version of the law to their state

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October 23, 2012 10:37PM (UTC)

Leading up to the November vote, a recent Washington Post poll found that Maryland voters broadly support a variation of the “Dream Act,” that will allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. If the measure passes in November, it will become the first statewide vote for a version of the law.

According to the poll, the initiative has garnered widespread support from Maryland Democrats and independents, while Republicans oppose the law by about 2 to 1. 58 percent of Maryland independent voters and 75 percent of Maryland Democrats support the measure.

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Under the legislation, undocumented immigrants who have attended three years of Maryland high school and have filed, or have guardians who have filed, state taxes can attend community college at in-state rates. After earning an associates degree or 60 credits they would be able to transfer to a four-year institution at in-state rates.

The Democrat-led Maryland General Assembly narrowly approved the measure last spring. Since then, Republican lawmakers have led a successful petition campaign to stall the law, and force a referendum. The poll data suggests, however, that the push to stall the law may backfire.

Immigrant rights groups, leaders of the state’s largest universities, clergymen and religious organizations have all shown support for the law, according to the Post. State and national teachers unions have contributed to a committee that runs ads supporting the measure.